Mapping of uncontrolled dumpsites in arid regions through remote sensing and image processing.

Due to increased urbanization, the development of new areas, construction of new houses and buildings and uncontrolled dumpsites (UDSs) are becoming a challenge facing local authorities in Saudi Arabia. UDSs pose health risks to the public, potentially deteriorating the environment around them and reducing the value of ongoing development areas. The local municipalities rely on field surveys and citizen reports. This can be inefficient because UDSs are often discovered too late, and remediating them can be costly. This study aimed to assess the conditions of UDSs in two cities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Dammam and Hafer Al-Batin, using satellite image classification assessment techniques. The assessment included mapping the UDS locations and studying the spectral reflectance of the materials found in these dumpsites. The study provided a mapping of 62 UDS locations totalling around 13.01 km2 in the broader study area. UDS detections using remote sensing were followed by ground truthing and in situ measurements using a spectroradiometer. In addition, the spectral reflectance of 21 commonly deposited UDS materials was studied, and a spectral library was created for these materials for future use by local authorities.

Reassessment of osteoporosis-related femoral fractures and economic burden in Saudi Arabia.

UNLABELLED: The current study reassesses the prevalence of fragility fractures and lifetime costs in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Forty-two percent (391) of the fractures were at the neck of the femur, and 38.6 % (354) were inter-trochanteric fractures. The overall incidence was assessed to be 7528 (1,300,336 population 55 years or older) with the direct cost of SR564.75 million ($150.60 million). A National Fracture Registry and osteoporosis awareness programs are recommended. PURPOSE: Proximal femur fragility fractures are reported to be increasing worldwide due to increased life expectancy. The current study is carried out to assess the incidence of such fractures in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and to assess the costs incurred in managing them annually. Finally, by extrapolating the data, the study can calculate the overall economic burden in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The data of fragility proximal femur fractures was collected from 24 of 28 hospitals in the Eastern Province. The data included age, sex, mode of injury, type of fracture, prescribed drug (and its cost), and length of hospital stay. Population statistics were obtained from the Department of Statistics of the Saudi Arabian government Web site. RESULTS: Twenty-four hospitals (85 %) participated in the study. A total of 780 fractures were sustained by 681 patients. Length of stay in the hospital averaged 23.28 ± 13.08 days. The projected fracture rate from all the hospitals would be 917 (an incidence of 5.81/1000), with a total cost of SR68.77 million. Further extrapolation showed that the overall incidence could be 7528 (1,300,336 population 55 years or older) with the direct cost of SR564.75 million ($150.60 million). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis-related femoral fractures in Saudi Arabia are significant causes of morbidity besides incurring economic burden. We believe that a National Fracture Registry needs to be established, and osteoporosis awareness programs should be instituted in every part of Saudi Arabia so that these patients can be diagnosed early and treated appropriately to reduce both the number of fractures and the economic burden of the fractures.

Fortification with vitamin D: Comparative study in the Saudi Arabian and US markets.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency is common among Saudi Arabian population. To evaluate the current status of vitamin D fortification and calcium content of commonly consumed food items by the Saudi population and to compare it to US data. SETTING AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional market survey at markets of Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and State of Illinois, USA. METHODS: A dietary survey was carried out for the content of calcium and vitamin D on the most commonly consumed food products by the Saudi population which are suppose to be fortified by vitamin D. The survey included different brands of fresh milk, yoghurt, powdered milk, cheese, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and orange juice. Vitamin D content in the products studied from the Saudi marketplace was compared with the suggested vitamin D content in the same products according to US Code of Federal Regulations recommendations. RESULTS: The overall calcium content in the processed dairy products is generally higher than the content in fresh dairy products. Vitamin D content in the fresh dairy products varied from 40 IU/L to 400 IU/L. None of the cereals or orange juice in Saudi Arabia contain vitamin D supplement. The vitamin D content in the food items from the Saudi marketplace is mostly lower than recommended by the US Code of Federal Regulations. CONCLUSION: Most commonly consumed food products by Saudi population which are suppose to be fortified by vitamin D either not fortified or contain an amount less than recommended by guidelines set for US marketplace.